Deny the rezoning of the commercial property at Windgate Ranch's Southeast Corner

The property at the Southeast corner of Windgate Ranch is currently zoned for commercial and Deco Communities, LLC (decocommunities.com) is proposing to build a multi-family (8 units per building, 1-2 bedroom/under 1,400 sf) "luxury" condominium complex, Echo at Windgate project 3-GP-2012/3-ZN-2012.

The price point, which has yet to be fully disclosed, looks to be in the mid $200,000 (or lower) price range, approximately ¼ of the investment in homes bordering Windgate. The addition of this residential project will have a negative impact on the quality of life of area residents.

Each Windgate Ranch resident was told that the proposed area was zoned for commercial development and homes were purchased based on that zoning. In order for Deco communities to continue with their proposed plan, they need to have the area rezoned from commercial to residential. Area residents are requesting that the City Council and Scottsdale Planning Commission maintain the existing comprehensive plan for Windgate and deny the rezoning request by Deco Communities, LLC, as well as deny the construction of the proposed condominium complex, Echo at Windgate.

We collectively believe that the approval of rezoning for the purposes of the proposed condominium community by Deco Communities, LLC could add risk and negatively impact the volatile home values in Windgate Ranch and adjacent subdivisions. Deco Communities is a new start-up company and to date they do not have experience with a new development, only redevelopment of low-end rehabs. This adds to concern regarding the ongoing financial resources to fully execute a quality product that would fit with Windgate Ranch or its upscale surrounding communities.
 
Numerous independent real estate appraisers have confirmed that a condominium complex with the given price points would have a significant adverse effect on property values, which have already been hit hard as a result of the recession. It is also likely that they could turn into rentals. In addition, we feel as though the quality of life in Windgate Ranch and the surrounding areas will be negatively affected with increases in density, traffic, noise, and parking that come with residential developments.